As much as I've criticised Fonte in the past for us, recently I wouldn't drop him as he's found form again and been a part of our defensive upturn in results and performances. I wouldn't dream of dropping him for Ogbonna.

I don’t see Bilic dropping the back 3, Fonte can’t be dropped at the moment. He’s been the best out of the 3 for the last few games. Fonte Reid Oggy I’m really hoping to see a decent performance here. Masuaku has got to start also Lanzini. Would like to see Noble on the bench also but I don’t see that happening.

Evening Std article suggests we may bench Hernandez...alongside Sakho. So presumably we are considering playing Carroll alone up front (and boy will he be alone) - we can kiss goodbye to quick counterattacks.

WTID wrote:I don’t see Bilic dropping the back 3, Fonte can’t be dropped at the moment. He’s been the best out of the 3 for the last few games. Fonte Reid Oggy I’m really hoping to see a decent performance here. Masuaku has got to start also Lanzini. Would like to see Noble on the bench also but I don’t see that happening.

Hernandez was back on Thursday and didn't play for Mexico in their second match, so he should be pretty well rested. Don't buy that jet lag would hold him back either - Reid went much further (to Japan) and is fully expected to start.

If he is put on the bench it is for tactical reasons by Bilic. As I said I would start him up top with Sakho and Carroll on the bench.

TheHandOfDog wrote:Leaving Chicarito on the bench is madness. Starting Andy Carroll is madness. I hope, at the very least that the first one is wrong.

I think if Slav uses Cheech then it will be up to the player himself due to only returning today after international..

As mentioned earlier Slavs starting 11 is going to be the first game this season that he can be judged by most.. for me I think it will go some way to seeing if there are certain obligations on certain players having to play...

I would love to see a 2 up top start... but given our defensive frailties and balance in the middle I can’t see Slav taking the chance.... I think he has found himself now in a siege mentality and his choice will reflect that unfortunately